Sarens has released an updated version of its SPMT stability calculation tool, designed to evaluate static and dynamic axle loading and tipping angles, as well as ground bearing pressures and trailer bending.
First introduced two years ago as the Sarens Transport Calculation Sheet (STCS), the company has used the tool for its special transport operations. It has since been updated to apply to larger projects, as well as the various ranges of SPMTs.
Peter Huygebaert, engineering manager at Sarens, explained: “Besides the static and dynamic axle loading and tipping angle evaluations that the old tool could perform, the new sheet also allows us to easily pin-up axle lines and evaluate ground bearing pressures and trailer bending.
“The old tool could be used after a drawing of the transport had already been made, and so was missing a visual interface. The new tool lets us visualise the SPMT configurations and saves considerable time.”
The newer version of the STCS also evaluates dynamic forces, such as accelerations and wind, in an even more detailed manner.
For the development and testing of the updated STCS, Huygebaert said Sarens started from a clean sheet “in order to not be bound by the restrictions that the old tool had”. The company then started trialling the new tool on specific projects, before it was launched to the entire Sarens Group.